INSPIRE. CONNECT. SHINE.
INSPIRE. CONNECT. SHINE.
Newnan, Georgia
Steppin’ Out Performing Arts (SOPA) GA is an all-encompassing performing and fine arts studio. Our mission is to train and nurture our students, build confidence, teach essential life skills, and develop lasting relationships in a safe and loving environment.
Meet Our Directors
Cassie Jackson
Founder, Owner, Director
Lindsey Archer
Owner, Director
Name: Cassie Jackson
Classes You Teach: Ballet, Tap, Acro combo classes, Acrobatics, Jazz, Tap, and Hip-Hop
Birthday: August 17th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I began dancing at the age of 5 years old; Jazz, Tap, Ballet, and Pom. I studied Ballet, Modern, and Dance Theory at ASU.
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I started an afterschool program during college and eventually began a recreation program after graduating.
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In 2008, I opened the first Steppin' Out Studio with my best friend in Arizona. When I moved to the East Coast and settled down, I began teaching in our new town of Newnan, GA in 2017.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: "What is impossible with man is possible with God" Luke 18:27
Fun Fact: I love sandwiches, cocktail shrimp, avocados, and chocolate! I used to teach a cadaver lab class at GCU.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am snuggling on my couch with my kiddos, eating popcorn, watching movies, going on date nights with my hubby, nights out with friends, and serving in our church community.
Cassie Jackson
Name: Lindsey Archer
Classes You Teach: I’ve taught a little of everything but mostly Musical Theatre, Tap, Music Together, Acting, and Combo classes.
Birthday: October 25th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I came out of the womb singing “There’s No Business Like Show Business” and started dancing at age 2.5.
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I graduated from Valdosta State University with a BFA in Theatre Performance and met my husband getting said degree.
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I’ve traveled all over the US with my husband performing and teaching.
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When I lived in NYC, I was an entertainer for children’s birthday parties.
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My favorite past shows that I performed in are Xanadu (yes, the roller-skating musical), 1940’s Radio Hour, How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and A Year with Frog and Toad.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: “For everything, there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” Ecc. 3:1
Fun Fact: My favorite place is the beach; I LOVE cheese and Kermit the Frog!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I’m spending time with my family watching movies, doing puzzles, and playing games! We love to go to the pool and the beach in the summer. When I have time, I love to read and try new recipes!
Lindsey Archer
Meet Our Team
Lanie Allen
Instructor
Name:
Classes You Teach: Contemporary, Cheer
Birthday: Sept 11
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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In 2023, I received the Porter Award in Dance from the Hixon-Lied College of Fine & Performing Arts for demonstrating the highest level of achievement and excellence in dance.
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I have been dancing since the age of five.
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I have choreographed three high school musicals and coached a high school cheer team for four years.
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I participated on the competitive hip-hop team for three years at Legacy Dance & Gymnastics in Nebraska.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: The Princess Bride
Fun Fact: Even though she grew up in rural Nebraska between cows and cornfields, Lanie was actually born in Minnesota.
When not at SOPA, what are you doing? After graduation, I was bitten by the reading bug. Now between dance and work, you can usually find me with my nose in a book.
Lanie Allen
Name: Ashlynn Cox
Classes You Teach: Ballet & Tap Combo, Hip-hop/Jazz Combo & Adult Hip-Hop
Birthday: May 24th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I was one of the co-captains my senior year for Georgia Southern University’s Dance Team. I graduated with my Bachelors in Accounting and Minor in Marketing.
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The first dance I choreographed was in 4th grade for our school talent show with 3 of my friends.
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I was mainly trained and competed in jazz, hip-hop, ballet, tap, & lyrical, but I also have experience in hula, pom, and pointe.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote:
I love all types of music, and my favorite movie is Soul Surfer.
Fun Fact:
I am from La Palma, California and moved to Georgia during my sophomore year of high school.
When not at SOPA what are you doing?
I am most likely on my way to get coffee or enjoying my boyfriend’s cooking.
Saresa Berry
Saresa Berry
Instructor
Jensen Bush
Instructor
Name: Rachel Denton
Classes You Teach: Ballet/Jazz Combo, Ballet/Tap Combo, Musical Theatre
Birthday: April 25th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I started dancing ballet, jazz, and tap when I was 3 years old.
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I was a Theatre major at the University of Southern California.
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Much of my career has been on-camera (tv and commercials), but theatre is my favorite!
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: I love classic 1940s movie musicals! Pretty much anything starring Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, or Danny Kaye.
Fun Fact: I was named after the Jensen Healey, which is an English Sports Car and my favorite ice cream in the world is Moose Tracks.
When not at SOPA, what are you doing? When I’m not at SOPA, you can find me hanging out with my husband and 2 kids or performing on stage!
Jensen Bush
Name: Ashlynn Cox
Classes You Teach: Studio Manager, Pre-Ballet, Ballet & Jazz
Combo, Ballet & Tap Combo, Acting, Mini-Acro, Musical Theatre
Birthday: February 18th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching
Background:
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My first role ever was as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz.
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I've been dancing nonstop since my first ballet class at 4 years old.
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I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Theatre Performance and Acting in 2021.
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While I love all dance, ballet is my favorite and the one I have been dancing for the longest.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: My favorite movie is The Importance of Being Earnest, which is based on the play by Oscar Wilde. My favorite song is Bennie and the Jets, by Elton John.
Fun Fact: A fun fact about me is that one time at the zoo a giraffe licked me up the whole side of my face and its tongue was purple.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? When I'm not at SOPA you can find me acting in film projects around the Atlanta area, walking on The Linc trail, or playing with my cat, Crunchy.
Ashlynn Cox
Ashlynn Cox
Instructor
Rachel Denton
Instructor
Name: Rachel Denton
Classes You Teach: Studio Coordinator, Hip-hop I and II, Break Dance, Hip-hop Combo, Acro, Parent & Tot
Birthday: July 1st
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I have been a dancer ever since I was a little girl.
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I was born and raised in Colorado, where I attended an all-hip-hop dance studio and began dancing hip-hop exclusively in my sophomore year of high school. Through them, I was in 5 different troupes, including “elites.” I was given the opportunity to take my first breakdance classes from Ray Ray of the Jabbawockeez.
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I have performed at conventions including the Denver Parade of Lights. I have been a hip-hop dance instructor since 2011. Since then, I have taught various ages, styles, and levels, including some adult fitness.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: Lady and the tramp or any songs by Sam Hunt
Fun Fact: My husband and I run an online coffee shop.
When not at SOPA, what are you doing? When I am not running around with my toddler and 2 dogs, I sell coffee and work part-time as a veterinary technician.
Rachel Denton
Name: Carly Force
Classes You Teach: Ballet 2, Ballet 3, Pre Pointe/Pointe
Birthday: August 23rd
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I’ve taught dance in Georgia, Tennessee, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC.
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I’ve taken class and performed in England.
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In Virginia I was lucky enough to teach musical theatre with my childhood best friend, something that we dreamed of doing ever since we were little.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: “You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.” CS Lewis
Fun Fact: I love to travel. I’ve been to 19 countries and 2 US territories.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am constantly chasing around my 2 energetic little boys.
Erica Donovan
Erica Donovan
Instructor
Carly Force
Instructor
Name: Amanda French
Classes You Teach: Mini-Acro, Tumbling & Parent & Tot Tumbling
Birthday: December 21st 198something
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I have a BS In Early Childhood Education from The University of West Georgia
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My dance training comes from the University of Steppin’ Out
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My passion is helping kids stay active and strengthen their bodies while having fun
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: Measure twice, Cut once.
Fun Fact: I was able to do headstands at 38 weeks pregnant with my third child. Susie, one of my fur babies, and I recently ran a marathon around Newnan on our own.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? Running with my dogs or volunteering at my kids’ school.
Carly Force
Name: Michelina Ryan
Classes You Teach: Jazz, Hip-Hop/Jazz Combo
Birthday: August 2nd
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I was privileged to begin my dance career classically trained under Dorris Russell (an original Rockette!)
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I spent most of my childhood dancing on several teams and in studios. I even got to experience dancing for the Hawks at halftime!
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I have enjoyed teaching over the years and have been SO blessed to have found the Steppin’ Out family! A breath of fresh air to the dance community!
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: I love comedies and silly movies! I am obsessed with all things 2000s Pop music! "Always be a first-rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of somebody else." -Judy Garland
Fun Fact: I have never flown on an airplane!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am a mom of two amazing boys and also a Special Education Support for Coweta's school system. Currently pursuing a dual Certification at Mercer University!
Amanda French
Amanda French
Instructor
Rebecca Hudson
Instructor
Name: Deanna Saunders
Classes You Teach: Cheerleading
Birthday: December 18
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I spent my entire childhood from rec to high school as a cheerleader and have coached recreation teams over the years.
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I received my master cosmetology license in 2008 and spent the last year as an instructor at a cosmetology school teaching theory.
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I enjoy all aspects of performing/fine arts and am passionate about encouraging kids to grow in their confidence and ability to be creative, unique, and proud of who they are and what they’re capable of.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: "Do good and good will come to you”
I like all genres of music and my favorite movie is Beauty and the Beast.
Fun Fact: I am a homeschooling Mama!
When not at SOPA what are you doing?You can find me hanging out with my husband and 3 kids, drinking coffee, or taking pictures!
Rebecca Hudson
Name:
Classes You Teach: Ballet & Tap, Ballet & Jazz, Parent & Tot, Ballet I and Musical Theatre Ensemble
Birthday: January 10th
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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I grew up dancing in ballet, tap, and jazz classes and on dance teams. I have been singing for as long as I can remember.
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I have a degree in Musical Theatre from Birmingham-Southern College.
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After graduating college, I spent almost 10 years living in NYC. I've performed all over the country in various national tours and regional productions.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: My favorite movie is Steel Magnolias.
Fun Fact: My stage debut was in a community production of Fiddler on the Roof, playing the role of "baby" at the early age of two months old!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? When not at SOPA, you'll find me spending time with my husband and my two young daughters. I love to read and spend time outdoors, especially walking in our neighborhood or hiking. In the summertime, we love to swim or go out on the lake!
Paige Monti
Paige Monti
Instructor
Laell Tucker
Office Manager & Backstage Manager
Name:
Role at SOPA: Front desk, backstage recital organization, emails and phone calls, anywhere that I need to step in and assist.
Birthday: January 20
A few facts about your Dance, Performance, and Teaching Background:
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My daughters have danced at Steppin' Out since 2017. We started with my third daughter in the fairytale ballet class at the rec center at age 2.5. Now my oldest, Lilly, takes Musical Theatre, Jazz 3, Contemporary, Acro 2-4, and Ballet 3. My second, Lillah, takes Hip Hop and Tap. My third, Lorellei, is taking Ballet 2 and Acro 2-4. This year my youngest, Langley, will join a Ballet/ Jazz/ Acro combo class.
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I have been involved with Steppin' Out since the first Newnan studio was opened. I have always been backstage helping manage the chaos.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light"
Fun Fact: I can not dance to save my life!
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I am with my four girls, husband, and three dogs. We love traveling as much as we can. I am also an avid reader and always have some kind of book I am currently reading.
Laell Tucker
Name: Heather Maddox Tag
Classes You Teach: Piano & Voice
Birthday: June 12th
A few facts about your Background:
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Was a Music Major at Atlanta Christian College.
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I have released one album and a single.
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I have occasionally performed on Atlanta Live.
Favorite Movie, Song, or Quote: You’ve Got Mail
Fun Fact: I took figure skating lessons for a bit when I was younger.
When not at SOPA what are you doing? I love playing and singing for churches. I love to write my own music and have led worship and been a part of Christian artist concerts all over GA.
Heather Maddox
Heather Maddox
Piano & Voice Instructor
